I’m absolutely in love with the show “Eastbound and Down.” HBO sums it up as: “Relief Pitcher Kenny Powers was poised to rule the Big Leagues, but two things got in the way: his fading fastball and his insufferable personality. After a spectacular career flame-out, Kenny came home to Shelby County, NC and picked up a job as a substitute gym teacher (mostly so his brother Dustin would stop threatening to kick him out). He’s spent every moment since then cashing in the last of his dying fame while plotting his inevitable comeback… one beer at a time. ” Naturally, hilarity ensues.

Kenny Powers is crass. Kenny Powers is dirty, unlikeable and unruly. But more than anything, Kenny Powers is a champion. He got himself to the majors (only to crash and burn, but hey! we all make mistakes, right?) and after wallowing in self-pity and anger, he decides it’s time to kick some ass again. I think in some way or another we can all relate to that. Luckily, my mistakes never included prostitutes, crack or racial slurs. Hurrah for me!

Yeah, I know I’m talking about a TV character and not a real person. That’s not the point. What’s important is to remember that just because we stumble doesn’t mean we have to fall. The economy sucks, lots and lots of us are out of work and gas isn’t getting any cheaper. Take it from Kenny Powers, the dude who named his audiobook “You’re Fuckin’ Out, I’m Fuckin’ In“:

“Wow. I mean you just nailed it. You just hit it on the head. You’re sayin I can get back on top again. Ya man, I gotta remember that I’m a winner man. I need to remember that I am better than everybody else. F#&% man, I’m an old bulletproof tiger, dude. And if everyone in this town has forgotten who I am, maybe it’s time I remind ‘em. Maybe it’s time I remind everybody just who the %#&% Kenny Powers is.”

Hell, yeah, man. Hell, yeah…